GMMG ZL1

[Stefano]

Just for conversations sake and the healthy spirit of debate, this Joyous Holiday Season, I would like to mention 'Camaro Performers' Fall 2002 edition, where there is a Red "ZL1" badged 2002 Camaro and the title is "Out With a Bang The '02 ZL1 Does the Legend Right", by Kevin Lee.

"It's always a risky move to badge a new model with a moniker that carried such a high level of esteem, but in this case the new '02 ZL1 just may live up to the ZL1 emblems it carries on its fenders."...........

"Why would GM expend one of its most hallowed nameplates on a warmed over Camaro, I wondered?" (Me too)

So then based on what you are saying , is or isn't this GMMG prototype (to the other 69 GMMG ZL1s built) ZL1 built with GM's approval both expressed and implied. [img]/ubbthreads/images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

[82z96ss]

Only the phase 1 base ZL1 Supercar is authorized by the Chevy Camaro Brand Team or any other GM Engineer as per GMMG invoice.

This is due part by Phase 2/3 not meeting emission recertification test and will NOT be honored by any GM dealership.

So if your getting a Phase 1 your lucky, if not youe is SOL.

Oh well cuz GMMG will be doing the warranties, which I personally feel would take care of problems alot better than my local dealership would.

[sYc]

Stefano; As you say, for debate purposes only, which I feel is very similar to the Douglass debate. Corporate GM did not approve the use of ZL-1. Nor did the Camaro Brand Team (officially). The reason I say officially is because a couple of members of the Camaro Brand Team did lend their support, but not in their official capacities. So I guess I would have to say no, they were not built with GM's approval, either expressed or implied. As with most corporations, GM is always facing liability issues, thus are reluctant to "officially" get involved with projects generated outside of their corporate walls. This has been going on for years. I have heard numerous horror stories from original owners of Yenkos, even 1969s, about the problems of getting dealers and Chevrolet to warranty their cars. I can understand in '67 and '68, but the COPO Yenkos faced the same problems. It took 6 months for the owner of my Yenko Camaro to get a dropped valve fixed at the dealer who sold it to him, Francis Chevrolet in St. Louis. Frank Radake faced the same problem trying to get his Yenko Chevelle fixed under warranty, also at Francis. And, this in spite of all the influence Don had with Chevrolet.

[Stefano]

The 1969 ZL1 COPO Super Cars were also not officially endorsed to the public or general dealer body by GM, the corporate entity.

[JoeC]

Did Chevrolet ever use the name ZL1 Camaro? I don't think so. The 1969 Corvette had an option called RPO ZL1 but the aluminum engine Camaro was option COPO 9560. There were prototype Camaros with ZL1 emblems but they did not escape the factory. Although it is well known today, I don't believe "ZL1 Camaro" was ever used as an official name in 1969.

[Stefano]

I would agree, it was the 'public' which used the ZL1 and Camaro together as they are often referred to today.

There has been info provided, that one of the Prototype ZL1 Camaros was indeed sold to the same dealership which purchased many of the Central Offices special vehicles such as, all the unsold 1969 Camaro Indy/festival Pace Cars, Two Z16 Chevelles as well as many other special cars.

[hvychev]

Stefano was that dealer <font color="red">* </font color>.....

BTW I had a coutomer on Christmas eve that gave me quite a cool history about one J.D., Mr. Ed, and Jack Loftus Ford where he bought several Shelbys back in the 60's from. Quite interesting Chi Town dealer info.

[Stefano]

Frank,
How ironic,I'm working a deal on a suspected Jack Loftus 1969 Shelby GT 500. They did sell quite a few Shelby's here in Chicago land. An early Shelby was recently found in Desplains, IL. It had been hidden by the wife in a Divorce situation for many years. The Shelby was purchased off of Mr, Norm's used car lot less than a couple of years after it was sold new.

[sYc]

"I would agree, it was the 'public' which used the ZL1 and Camaro together as they are often referred to today."

Fred Gibb first used the term "ZL-1 Camaro" in ads to describe the cars.

[Stefano]

Tom,
Looks like that would be definitive,thanks for making the point.

Frank,
Yes it was the <font color="red"> * </font color>dealer. If you got some cool info start a new thread and share it. The only way I got any of the info is second hand and would like to find out more.